Year: 2021
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Emerging research has shown that the Covid-19 pandemic is causing substantial increases in anxiety and depression for individuals across the globe. Studies suggest that one critical antecedent of such psychological effects is fear of Covid-19. Identifying protective factors for mental health has been a prominent and key area for research since the coronavirus outbreak. The present study aimed to investigate the role of mindfulness disposition as a protective factor against anxiety and depression symptoms consequent to fear of Covid-19, while also exploring gender differences in levels of mindfulness. A questionnaire measuring fear of Covid-19, anxiety and depressive symptomology and mindfulness was administered to participants (n=310) through various social media platforms. Results indicated that lower levels of fear of Covid-19 were associated with higher levels of mindfulness disposition. Findings from multiple regression analyses indicated that higher levels of fear of Covid-19 predicted higher levels of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of mindfulness disposition predicted lower levels of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness disposition was the strongest predictor of anxiety and depression. T-test results showed that females scored significantly lower than males in levels of mindfulness disposition. This study highlights mindfulness as a potential protective factor for the psychological effects consequent to fear of Covid-19. The major implications of these findings are discussed.
Source: NORMA
Author: Leah Harvey
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3193325021